digging for dirt

USAGE SUMMARY

"digging for dirt" is a correct and common phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an attempt to uncover damaging information about someone. For example: "Investigative journalists are known for digging for dirt on public figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Digging for dirt on Lineker isn't easy.

The Guardian - Sport

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt.

The New Yorker

"Every time a team from the city comes through the process, someone goes digging for dirt.

The New York Times - Sports

Bowker regards the duo as "true British legends" and will not, it seems, be digging for dirt.

The Guardian

Mark George QC, for 22 bereaved families, accused him of "digging for dirt" to establish evidence of drinking by supporters outside.

The Guardian - Sport

Bridge has been digging for dirt on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, some of it relating to a traffic jam on a bridge that his aides are alleged to have caused to punish a mayor who crossed him.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

This time, the Lebanese delegation is having no need to dig for dirt on the Israelis: the Israelis have dug it already.

The Economist

No sooner does the president announce a candidate for this or that job than the opposition and the media start to dig for dirt.

The Economist

The ruling Communist Party might try to raise taxes, or dig for dirt in billionaires' past dealings, if it senses public anger is rising.

The New York Times

Many co-ops, and the management companies that oversee them, say they do not routinely use the Web to dig for dirt on prospective buyers.

The New York Times

Morgan was so furious, he sent a team of reporters from the Daily Mirror, which he then edited, to dig for dirt on Hislop.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "digging for dirt", ensure that the context implies an active and often underhanded attempt to find negative information about someone. Use it to emphasize the intent and effort involved in uncovering potentially damaging secrets.

Common error

Avoid using "digging for dirt" when referring to general research or investigation. The phrase carries a connotation of malicious intent and should only be used when the search for information is specifically aimed at finding negative or scandalous details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "digging for dirt" functions as a verbal phrase often acting as a gerund or participle within a sentence. It describes the action of searching for compromising or damaging information about someone, Ludwig AI confirms this with several examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "digging for dirt" is a common phrase used to describe the act of actively seeking out compromising or scandalous information about someone, often with malicious intent. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples, primarily from news and media sources. The phrase carries a negative connotation and should be used judiciously, ensuring that the context aligns with its intended meaning. Alternatives such as "searching for compromising material" or "seeking scandalous information" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While generally neutral in register, the phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ferreting out dirt

Synonymous alternative using a different verb.

finding damaging information

Highlights the damaging nature of the information being discovered.

searching for compromising material

Emphasizes the intent to find material that could damage someone's reputation.

looking for incriminating evidence

Focuses on finding evidence that proves someone's guilt.

seeking scandalous information

Focuses on the scandalous nature of the information being sought.

unearthing scandals

Focuses on bringing scandals to light.

uncovering secrets

Highlights the act of revealing hidden information, which may or may not be negative.

exposing corruption

Implies a focus on revealing corrupt practices.

investigating wrongdoings

Suggests a more formal and legitimate investigation into potential misconduct.

researching negative aspects

A more neutral and general way of describing the search for negative information.

FAQs

How can I use "digging for dirt" in a sentence?

You can use "digging for dirt" to describe someone's attempt to find damaging information about another person. For example, "The journalist was accused of "digging for dirt" on the politician to ruin his reputation".

What are some alternatives to "digging for dirt"?

Alternatives to "digging for dirt" include "searching for compromising material", "seeking scandalous information", or "uncovering secrets", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "digging for dirt" a formal or informal expression?

"Digging for dirt" is generally considered an informal expression. It's suitable for news articles and casual conversation but may not be appropriate for formal academic papers or business reports.

What is the implication of using the phrase "digging for dirt"?

Using the phrase "digging for dirt" implies that the person or entity searching for information has a negative intention and is actively trying to find something that will damage the reputation of the target.